Come Rain or Come Shine - Jan Karon

Book Title: Come Rain or Come Shine (A Mitford Novel)
Series: The Mitford Series
Author: Jan Karon
Amazon Link: Click here

Disclaimer: I received this free book from NetGalley in exchange for an un-biased review.

This book is like coming home. Coming to the home you always wish you’d had. The Mitford books have always reminded me of a great episode of Andy Griffith. Kids wandering around barefoot, swinging from porch swings and making daisy chains. Wonderful, loving neighbors always ready to give you a hand. A town full of loving people, who though they all have flaws and foibles, you simply can’t live without. It’s the town you wish you’d grown up in or you wish you could give to your children.

I’ve been a fan of the Mitford series for nearly 20 years now. Amazing! I can hardly believe it’s been so long! The main character, an episcopal priest in North Carolina is a model of kindness and solid morality. For being a series rooted in Christian beliefs, you don’t feel like you’re being preached at. However, you are gently reminded how good life can be if we keep working hard at being the very best we can be, from the inside out.

This book focuses on the preparations for the wedding between two long-time favorite characters in the series. It’s a short book and a very quick read, tightly focused on one main event and while it reaches out to touch peripheral characters from time to time the book does keep squarely on task. It is a sentimental book. Which is not a bad thing. It speaks very well to its target audience and what they want, fans of the series who would love a good happy cry over beloved characters. It delivers.

I did have a couple of issues with the way the book was edited. I don’t mind a narrative that jumps from character to character. However, too often there was no way to know who was speaking at a given time. As a result, I was taken out of the atmosphere that the writer was trying to create in order to scan back and forth over a page to determine who was speaking. I am hoping that this might be an issue with how the ARC was structured. Perhaps the physical copies will have some kind of indicator that will make transitions easier for the reader. Regardless, the editor should have taken notice and done something to clarify the narrator for the reader.

**Possible Spoiler alert!**
Secondly, hopefully without going too far into spoiling a major plot point, I took a little bit of an issue with the way a foster child was treated in the book. I have been a foster parent to a number of children, and I was a little perturbed to see the way that this child’s abrupt arrival was not treated with the care and consideration that he should have been due. It was acknowledged that the circumstances and timing of his arrival was probably causing him a great deal of stress, but this was so easily brushed aside. One character expressed the thought that, oh well God brought him here this weekend so it must be ok with being dropped into a stressful situation. I know that I'm expressing my thoughts in a very obtuse way, but I really don’t want to spoil anything for other readers. I know this is just a book. This is not a real child. But all the same, it felt jarring to me. The way he was treated felt selfish and mean. His reactions were unrealistic and self serving. It didn't sit well with me.

I guess my reaction really is a testament to the way these characters have become so real to me in the last 20 years that I am disappointed when I see them have such a serious lapse in judgement. Ultimately, that is how I felt, disappointed. Odd isn’t it how books have such power over our feelings. That says a lot in and of itself. I love Mitford. I can’t wait to go back.

Spotify Song for this book: Dimming of the Day - Richard & Linda Thompson

The Twisting - Laurel Wanrow (cover reveal!)

How exciting! I get to be part of the cover reveal for part two of this series called "The Luminated Threads" by Laurel Wanrow. I just recently reviewed her book "The Unraveling", please look it up. Please see the post below, and be sure to scroll to the end for giveaway information. Without further ado...

Welcome to the cover reveal for The Twisting, Volume Two of The Luminated Threads by Laurel Wanrow! The talented Craig Shields www.craigshields.co.uk has beautifully depicted the magical Victorian world of this new adult steampunk fantasy romance. His cover artwork graces both the ebook and a print paperback edition.
Pre-order The Twisting on Amazon for the special price of only .99 cents. The Twisting releases November 3, 2015 in ebook and trade paperback.

About the Book:
The story of otherworldly Blighted Basin continues in THE TWISTING...

In a valley hidden from the rest of Victorian England, Annmar Masterson has found friendship and acceptance at Wellspring farm. But as her recently discovered magical abilities grow, unstoppable crop-eating pests drive her new home to the brink of collapse.

Shapeshifter Daeryn Darkcoat's heart pulls toward Annmar, but duty comes first. With harvests across the Farmlands shire facing destruction, the predator guard scrambles for new solutions, calling upon the ingenuity of animal shifters, mechanics and growers alike.

Desperation drives landowners to utilize prototype machines, heedless of the threat to their way of life. As the danger mounts, Annmar's knowledge of Outside ways—and her magic—might be more important than anyone realizes.

Weaving steampunk engines and a land of wild magic with a coming-of-age romance, this sequel to THE UNRAVELING and second volume in THE LUMINATED THREADS whisks readers off on another spellbinding adventure.

THE TWISTING is a full-length novel, approximately 370 pages, with a sweet romance for readers 18+ due to mature themes. Please note: This is volume 2 of a three-part serialized novel. Volume 1, The UNRAVELING is available now, and Volume 3 releases in the spring of 2016 to complete Annmar and Daeryn’s steampunk fantasy romance. To be notified of upcoming releases, sign up for Laurel's Newsletter. (http://eepurl.com/17xRH)

Preorder The Twisting on Amazon for only .99 cents!
Goodreads

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Excerpt:

Annmar scrunched back into her pillow. This wasn’t a cat. The face was too pointed, never mind the sleek body three times as long as it was tall. Yet when she looked into its face, the familiar eyes belonged to…

“Daeryn?”

Eyes squinting, the animal’s ears pressed flat. Its head sank, giving a little jerk up and down.

Had he…nodded? “That is you.” Daeryn. This was a polecat. Her drawings had been correct, but not the same as seeing one uninjured, acting normal. Or as normal as a polecat in someone’s bed would act.

She pressed her fingertips to her temples. Oh, Lord, just stop thinking already. But her head didn’t hurt, her vision wasn’t cloudy, and neither were her thoughts. She lowered her hands and looked around to confirm they were alone before fixing her gaze on…him. “What are you doing in my room?”

His shoulders lifted.

That was a shrug. He half-crouched and jumped to the foot of the bed, then to the floor, all before she knew that’s what he had in mind. He disappeared behind the end of her bedstead.

She half-sat up, and as she started swinging her legs around, a hand pulled down the extra quilt that hung on the end of her bed. Annmar gasped and scooted under her covers. A moment later, Daeryn’s tousled brown hair came into view. The quilt swung through the air, and he stood, the fabric draped over his shoulders and held closed in the front.

He squinted at her, his expression the same as the polecat’s, looking very sleepy. “Sorry,” he muttered. “Didn’t mean to surprise you.”

What was she supposed to say to that? He’d been in her room. Sleeping in her room. In her bed! Oh, Lord, what would Mother… Nothing. Mother wasn’t around to worry about anymore, as Mary Clare had pointed out. Annmar had no one to answer to, Blighted Basin society included. Their lack of rules completely befuddled her. How did these people function?

Still. This was highly improper. She glared at him, and he seemed to shrink beneath the quilt, drawing it closer to his body. He was likely naked.

She heated, the blush running from her chest up over her face and…down. Thinking of it just brought on more heat. Mercy, in her bed. Had he been…

“You…uh, you haven’t been in…here as…” She swallowed.

His eyes widened, and he shook his head vehemently. “Only as a polecat.” He took a step back. “I wouldn’t do that… Not to you.” He turned and walked to the door. “I’ll leave.”

Yes, he most certainly was naked under there, and a part of her was curious. She was nineteen, a grown woman. Her first look at him had been brief—she swallowed—but good. “Hold on a minute,” she gasped.

He paused in the open doorway and half-turned to face her.

“I don’t understand what you’re doing in my room.”

“Sleeping here.”

“Why?”

His brows and shoulders lifted at the same time. He looked as confused as she felt when he stepped out and closed the door.

About the Author:

Laurel Wanrow loves misty mornings, the smell of freshly dug earth, petting long-haired guinea pigs and staring at the stars. She sees magic in nature and loves to photograph it.

Before kids, she studied and worked as a naturalist—someone who leads wildflower and other nature walks. During a stint of homeschooling, she turned her writing skills to fiction to share her love of the land, magical characters and fantastical settings.

When not living in her fantasy worlds, Laurel camps, hunts fossils and argues with her husband and two new adult kids over whose turn it is to clean house. Though they live on the East Coast, a cherished family cabin in the Colorado Rockies holds Laurel’s heart.

Visit her online at www.laurelwanrow.com.

To be notified of new releases: Laurel's Newsletter

Twitter | Author Facebook Page | Goodreads | Pinterest | Tumblr 

Don't miss Volume One, in The Luminated Threads series, The Unraveling:

Goodreads | Amazon      

A signed paperback copy of The Unraveling, Volume One of The Luminated Threads is on a Goodreads Giveaway Thursday, Oct 22 through Thursday, Oct 29, 2015.

GIVEAWAY:

$10 Amazon card, and 2 print paperbacks—the winners’ choice of The Unraveling (book 1) or The Twisting (book 2)
Open to the US/CA/UK

Ends November 2, 2015

Prizing is provided by the author, hosts are not responsible.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This event was organized by CBB Book Promotions.

The Unraveling - Laurel Wanrow

Book Title: The Unraveling, Volume One of The Luminated Threads: A Steampunk Fantasy Romance
Series: The Luminated Threads
Author: Laurel Wantrow
Amazon Link: Click here

Disclaimer: I received this free book from NetGalley in exchange for an un-biased review.

An unexpected, diverting read. I've never read a "steampunk" novel before. I've been to Comic-con, so I'm familiar with cosplay (even forced my kids into it a couple of times before they were old enough to protest ha!), and so I know with what Steampunk is. Love it! I love all the whirly gigs and dials, the intricacy of it. I'm also a sucker for any media based in England in the 1800's. I can't get enough of it. So I applied to get a review copy of The Unraveling from NetGalley, greatly anticipating my first foray into the world of Steampunk fiction.

This book was not what I expected. The first couple of chapters were definitely interesting. Annmar is a young woman with considerable talent in drawing. She is an artist and is particularly skilled with graphic arts. She works for a commercial advertising company, and is quite a remarkably independent young woman. Especially considering the times she is living in. She's an interesting girl, and there are hints of a paranormal history inherited from her mother. Annmar can see things no one else can and these otherworldly elements make their way into her lovely artwork. She accepts a job with a farm in her Mother's hometown, partly to escape a difficult situation at work, and partly to learn more about her family's clouded past.

At this point the author switches locales to that farm and we are introduced to a new group of characters ... shapeshifters. What the what?! I was a little thrown. I felt lost. I didn't understand a lot of the terminology and I have to admit it was a little hard to follow a whole new group of people and what felt like a sudden shift in pace. I really wanted the story to get back to Annmar and fast! Thankfully she wasn't long away from the focus of the story, and the shapeshifting characters eventually started to grow on me. By the end of the book I must admit I was hooked. I was sorry to realize that this is only the first book of the series, and the next one is not out yet! Wait, I've just gotten to like these characters! Now that I know them, I need to find out what happens next? I'm definitely reading the next in the series. Looking forward to it.

In a nutshell, if you are familiar with Steampunk fantasy I'm sure you will enjoy this book. If you are a newbie to the genre like me, be aware there can be a bit of a learning curve but don't let that deter you. Stick with it. It's enjoyable. The only caveat, I wish this book came with smell-o-vision. I'd pay good money for a whiff of the peach preserves that opens Annmar's eyes to her prodigious gifts of sight.

Spotify Song for this book: Rose of May - Erutan (FFIX cover)

The Heart Goes Last - Margaret Atwood

Book Title: The Heart Goes Last
Series:
Author: Margaret Atwood
Amazon Link: Click here

Disclaimer: I received this free book from NetGalley in exchange for an un-biased review.

I'd forgotten how Margaret Atwood books make me feel. I remembered that I love them, and was so incredibly excited when I found out I was getting a review copy from NetGalley, but I forgot how I feel in the process of reading one of her books. Intellectually they are stimulating, rife with new ideas. They can also be a bit of a bummer. I'm a long time reader of her books, the first I read being The Handmaid's Tale. That book infuriated me. I found myself reading with bated breath. Anxious, angry and frustrated with the world I found myself immersed in. Her new novel The Heart Goes Last also left me with strong emotions. What a bummer of a book. Not because it was terribly sad, there are Elvis impersonators lightening things up for goodness sakes! This book is part social critique and part madcap prison escape. As I explained it to a friend, what is upsetting about the book is Atwood writes about a world we haven't seen yet, but is very very possible, and that's a scary thing. Her worlds are peopled with corporations, politicians, big money industries with one thing in mind, how best to screw over the normal people who suffer under them just trying to live their day to day lives. In an earlier novel, Oryx and Crake , vitamin companies set up a scheme which does double duty by introducing germs into their product. Well, the company is also a pharmaceutical company which can then treat that newly sick patient. What you've created for yourself is a never ending revenue stream. Lovely, how enterprising of them. You can see what we are dealing with here.

In The Heart Goes Last the economic climate has frozen over. There quite simply is no more money for the common people, the majority are homeless, unemployed and hopeless. Prisons have been set up by corporations in order to take advantage of people who are economically desperate. These people find themselves willing to give up all freedoms for the chance to live in a clean place, make a few dollars and feel a measure of self-respect again. At what cost? The couple at the center of this novel find out exactly how much the cost of their pursuit of happiness will be. They are constantly in danger from powerful people around them with more money, less morals and evil intentions. Her characters are very rarely good/evil. They are not all likeable, not every narrator is to be believed, nothing can be taken for granted.

What made me sad while reading this book is the realization that it is all just so possible. Which is the blessing and the curse of an Atwood book. You know going in, not only is it possible, but it is very probable. Atwood calls her books "speculative fiction". Not fantasy, or science fiction which gives it a decidedly "This would never happen." feel. She wants us to realize that these future possibilities are the trajectory we are currenlty on if allowed to continue unchecked. Thankfully we have voices like Atwood's to sound a warning. To remind us what can happen if we are not vigilant about where our society is going, as well as a reminder of what we are all capable of. Reading this novel requires thought and discernment. That's what I love about it.

Bonus link: Here's a Youtube video of a speech by Atwood about the concept of Speculative Fiction. Enjoy!

Spotify Song for this book: Suspicious Minds - Elvis Presley

Followed by Frost - Charlie N. Holmberg

Book Title: Followed by Frost
Series:
Author: Charlie N. Holmberg
Amazon Link: Click here

Disclaimer: I received this free book from NetGalley in exchange for an un-biased review.

Cold and lonely, Followed by Frost's heroine brought winter to my disgustingly hot California summer. A young woman, Smitha, is the small town beauty. She enjoys making conquests of men, but a bad encounter with one young man has left her cold. Unbearably, unendingly cold. She's not your usual heroine, to begin with she's not particularly likeable, but that's the whole point. Her growth as a person is what propels this story forward. Her journey is a remarkable one. The spell that leaves her cold is unremitting and horrible. I guess when you think of being an ice queen it's easy to picture Queen Elsa, and then it doesn't seem like such a bad thing. Cold never bothered her anyway. Smitha's enchantment bring pure suffering. Here the author's talent with description shines. It's easy to begin to empathize with her plight. This is a story reminiscent of the old German Fairy tales. Sorcery, danger, true love, and a life lesson in a neat little package. It's a concise book, which doesn't seem like it will lead into a series, but instead of disappointing, or leaving you hungry for more you can't help but feel this one-off is just as it should be.

It's a good YA book, with everything you could hope for. Magical happenings, the requisite strong female lead, a handsome leading man, nice descriptive locations, and even a couple of very discerning camels thrown in for good measure. (ha!) I was extremely excited to find out I was receiving an advance copy of this book. I've read the author's Paper Magician trilogy, and I had a feeling this would be another good tale. My hopes were well placed. I fully recommend Followed by Frost.

Bonus link: Visit the author's site here.

Spotify Song for this book: Fear by Sarah MacLachlan

Gilded - Christina Farley

Book Title: Gilded
Series: The Gilded Series
Author: Christina Farley
Amazon Link: Click here

Disclaimer: I received this free book from NetGalley in exchange for an un-biased review.

An enjoyable foray into ancient Korean culture and mythology. I loved being introduced to such intriguing cultural themes and characters. It was great fun to look up these fantastical creatures and find artwork so I could more accurately imagine what the author is describing. Curious readers will find this irresistible. This book has one foot firmly planted in the present day and one magically in Ancient Korea. I like the juxtaposition and the connection this allows the reader to make with the main character. Because I am not familiar with Korean culture and history this made the story very easy to read. In this novel, a young high school girl, Jae Hwa Lee, is brought to her parents homeland of Korea following her mother's death and her father's promotion at work. She comes to find she has a personal connection to the old Korean folktales she has heard from her family as a little girl. It's an exciting read. I was a little worried when I read that the author was in fact not of Korean heritage but instead had been a teacher in the country for a number of years. How could she write legitimately about a lifestyle not her own? She did well in my opinion. Jae, although of Korean heritage, has been raised in America. She is familiar with aspects of the Korean culture but not like a native. Her voice seemed authentic to me.

I enjoyed the main character. She is a little formulaic in that she checks off all the boxes required for a good YA girl these days. Proficient with a bow and arrow? Check. Good at martial arts? Check. Exceptionally intelligent? Check. Fiercely independent? Check. Don't get me wrong, I love these girls. Give me more Katniss anyday! What helped this character to develop beyond the formula were her faults. She's far from perfect. Even she can't pull off straight A's as well as fighting evil, and did she get kicked out of Tai Kwon Do? Oops! Does she fly off the handle sometimes? Yep. Loved it! If you like YA with a strong girl in the forefront then this will be satisfying, with enough exotic flavoring to feel different.

Overall, I liked this book a great deal. I would definitely read more from this author, in fact I just found out that there are sequels to this first novel. I'm gladly adding them to my TBR list.

Bonus link: Visit the author's blog here.

Spotify Song for this book: Mr. Moon by Eisley

Fool's Quest - Robin Hobb

Book Title: Fool's Quest
Series: The Farseer Chronicles
Author: Robin Hobb
Amazon Link: Click here

Fitz Forever! This would probably be a good place to let you know that I'm a long-time fan of Robin Hobb’s novels. The Farseer Chronicles is a series that is frequently spoken of in the same breath as G.R.R. Martin’s Game of Thrones books and for good reason. So of course I was thrilled with the new release of book 8 in the series, Fool's Quest. The story begins in book one titled Assassin’s Apprentice. Primarily following the life and travails of a young bastard of the royal line and his remarkable friendship with a fortune-telling fool in motley of the King’s court. Ugh, what a terrible way to summarize such a complex, rich storyline but I hate to give even the smallest of spoilers away.

This new release, Fool’s Quest is book 8 of the series, however, there are two spin-off series which are a larger part of the story. I would recommend anyone who wants to start these books begin from the beginning and read through the entire 15 book series. Yes I said 15!! Oh joy! If you’re like me, you hate reaching the end of a Beloved series and finding there’s nothing left to read. These books will keep you going for a long time. I’m excited for you before you even begin.

This is a beautifully written story, and the latest volume is a worthy addition. As an adventure it is exciting and compelling, but I think fans of the books will find real satisfaction in the chapters dealing with Fitz and his personal relationships with his friends and family. Chapter 8 in particular left me with tears of joy. Mrs. Hobb has held off on the fulfillment of a story arc that fans have wished for from the first and it was worth the wait. What strikes me most when I read this series is how deftly the emotional attachment between reader and character has been crafted. I am truly fond of these characters in ways that surprise me. That is a rare gift as an author which Mrs. Hobb has in spades. One that I am thankful for. I’m so glad I found these books. I can’t wait for the next installment.

Bonus link: Visit Robin Hobb's webpage for a complete listing of books in the series here.

Spotify Song for this book: The Call by Regina Spektor

The Slow Regard of Silent Things - Patrick Rothfuss

Book Title: The Slow Regard of Silent Things
Series: The Kingkiller Chronicles
Author: Patrick Rothfuss
Amazon Link: Click here

Not your ordinary novella. If you're a fan of the Kingkiller Chronicle you may enjoy this book. It's definitely different, but in a very good way. It doesn't serve to further the Kvothe story, what it does do is adds extra dimension to the world and characters. One character in particular, Auri. I loved her in the original storyline and I'm very happy to see more about what her life is like down in the Underthing, as well as her motivations. This novella gives just the barest hints of her background and her potential for real power, but as you read you come to understand just how damaged an individual she is. Her obsessions and perceptions of the world around her are exceptionally insighful. It deserves a re-read because I am sure there are so many nuggets of info hidden in this story that will affect the larger plot of Kingkiller Chronicle. I really enjoyed it. I love Auri just a little bit more for reading it.

Bonus link: Tor's extensive re-read of The Kingkiller Chronicles is found here. Read the books then follow the re-read to really benefit from the details layered into the novels & novella.
Spotify Song for this book: Wuthering Heights by Kate Bush

The Name of the Wind - Patrick Rothfuss

Book Title: The Name of the Wind
Series: The Kingkiller Chronicles
Author: Patrick Rothfuss
Amazon Link: Click here

I've always wanted to be a writer. I love books so much I just can't imagine anything more fulfilling than getting your ideas onto paper, publishing them, and having them loved by millions. Naive, I know. I had a conversation with my daughter a couple of days ago. She is becoming quite the bookworm herself. After a trip to the library she asked if I would like to write books. She agreed with me. It sounds like such a wonderful thing to do. Then I read a book like The Name of the Wind and I am reminded why I am not an author. I could not possibly do justice to a story in the way that Patrick Rothfuss does with this fantasy novel. This book wasn't just written, it was crafted. With exceptional care, expertise and an attention to detail that is truly remarkable. He never wastes a word. The plot is tightly constructed and full of detail but also beautifully lyrical. It is a book that deserves an immediate re-read. Inevitably, I am tempted to compare any new fantasy book with Tolkien. That's not particularly fair, but it's the association my mind draws. The Name of the Wind belongs on the same shelf. I believe it an equal, a peer. I look forward to reading more books in the series. I have read the second book titled The Wise Man's Fear, and it does not disappoint. I can't wait for the third book in the series. There is no release date in sight but that's ok. Although I'm impatient to read it, I can see that books this beautiful don't just appear out of thin air. Take your time Mr. Rothfuss, I'll be waiting.


Bonus link: Tor's extensive re-read of The Kingkiller Chronicles is found here. Read the books then follow the re-read to really benefit from the details layered into the novels.

Spotify Song for this book: Manchester - Kishi Bashi